Colton's capture greeted with glee, disappointment

KOMO-TV STAFF

Updated 10:00 pm, Saturday, July 10, 2010

The capture of "Barefoot Bandit" Colton Harris-Moore was greeted with glee and relief in Western Washington, where most of his notorious crime spree played out.

And few people were more relieved than San Juan County Sheriff Bill Cumming, who has played cat-and-mouse with Colton for years as the teen bandit seemingly burglarized with impunity in his jurisdiction.

"The bottom line is that our citizens can rest easier in the knowledge they will not be further victimized by Harris-Moore," Cumming said.

But many of Colton's fans were disappointed about the legendary teen's capture and arrest after a two-year-long crime spree in which he allegedly stole more than $3 million in property.

"He never hurt anyone so just leave him alone. You're my hero," wrote one of Colton's fans, Ranisha Ann, on his Facebook fan page.

Another Colton fan with the screen name Taterhill Paddlefoot wrote, "Colton hang in there and remember there are a lot of people cheering for you and we all are just waiting to see your next move."

But not all the posts were so pro-Colton.

"Yea, he's a real hero all right," wrote Robert G. Bello. "I have a friend who just did 2 years in Iraq. He's a hero - this kid is a punk. Can't believe you people could support him."

Colton's mother, Pam Kohler, who has reportedly hired agents and lawyers to defend her son and represent him in possible book and movie deals, had no immediate comment about his arrest.

And what were Colton's victims saying about his capture?

"I've just heard the news, and I think it's a wonderful end to the story. Now they can end the movie in the Caribbean," said Kyle Ater, owner of the Home Grown Market on Orcas Island, which was burglarized by Colton several months ago.

Ater said people should feel safer - not only in Colton's home territory in the San Juan Islands and Camano Island - but everywhere.

"I honestly think the whole country should feel a little safer," he said. "Now I think he needs to pay for the crimes he's done."

But whether they supported Colton or not, everyone could agree on one thing - it was a blessing that he was arrested without anyone getting hurt.

"A confrontation gone awry could very well ended with he or someone else being hurt," Cumming said. "I congratulate the Bahamian authorities on being able to keep everyone safe and bringing him into custody."